JOE’S NEW ROOT

TEST careers will be on the line against New Zealand this week as Joe Root looks to shape his team in the wake of an Ashes humiliation.

The two Test series against the Kiwis will “define people’s futures” according to Alastair Cook, who has been through his own Ashes nightmare as captain.

Cook had to rebuild in 2014, and turned to the likes of Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Gary Ballance and Jos Buttler the following summer.

He didn’t have any extra matches to help make up his mind about players, because not since 1975 have England played additional Test matches during a winter following an Ashes tour.

That is why these two games in Auckland and Christchurch could help the careers of Mark Stoneman and James Vince, who still have points to prove.

“We’ll find out a few answers about this team and where it is going in these two matches,” said Cook. “Because the selectors have picked pretty much the same squad of players.

“Otherwise, someone else gets an opportunity, so the next two weeks could define people’s futures.”